PGY-1 Resident Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville, Tennessee
Andrew Williams, MD
PGY-1 Resident Oregon Health & Science University Portland, Oregon
Jason P. Caplan, MD
Professor and Chair of Psychiatry Creighton University School of Medicine Phoenix Regional Campus Phoenix, Arizona
Disclosures
Dr. Caplan has served as a consultant to Avanir Pharmaceuticals, an independent subsidiary of Otsuka America, Inc., manufacturer of the formulation of dextromethorphan/quinidine discussed in this article. Drs. Frock and Williams report no financial relationships with any company whose products are mentioned in this article or with manufacturers of competing products.
Disruption of neural circuitry undermines voluntary control of affect
Bottom Line
Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is characterized by paroxysmal affective outbursts that are (1) out of proportion to, and out of context with, patients’ mood state and (2) outside of their control. PBA is caused by brain illnesses and injuries that disrupt neural circuitry that underpins the volitional control of affect. FDA-approved dextromethorphan and quinidine in combination has demonstrated significant reduction in PBA symptoms.
Related Resource
Bush D, Klein L (directors). Beyond laughter & tears: A journey of hope. Madpix Flims, W2O Films; 2016.
